Leaking Radiator Valve – How to Fix It?

Sounds like a common issue. First, try tightening the nut where the valve meets the pipe – sometimes that’s all it takes to stop a small drip. If that doesn’t work, it’s likely a worn washer or the valve itself that needs replacing.

To avoid a mess, turn off both radiator valves (inlet and outlet) and have a small tray or towel ready to catch any water when you loosen the nut. If you’re replacing the valve, you might need to drain the radiator, but for just a washer, you can get away with minimal water loss.

Take your time, and if you’re swapping the valve, wrap the threads with PTFE tape for a better seal. Shouldn’t be too tricky to sort!

Sounds like the radiator valve’s giving you grief. First thing I’d do is grab a spanner and give it a gentle tighten—it might just be a bit loose. Don’t go mad on it, though, or you could end up making it worse.

If that doesn’t sort it, chances are it’s the washer that’s knackered. In that case, you’ll need to drain the radiator down a bit so you can pop the valve off and swap the washer (or the valve if it’s proper shot).

As for avoiding a mess—stick a towel under the valve and have a bucket handy for any water that sneaks out. And make sure the heating’s off before you start, or you’ll be dealing with boiling water!

Give it a go and see how you get on. Shout if you get stuck!

Cheers.

If you’ve got a radiator leaking round the valve, first thing I’d do is grab a spanner and give the nut on the valve a gentle tighten. Could just be a bit loose, you know? Don’t go mad with it—just a little tweak should do.

If it’s still dripping after that, chances are the washer inside the valve’s had it. You’ll need to shut off both valves on the radiator and let a bit of water out using the bleed valve. Stick a bucket or a tray underneath to catch the water—trust me, radiator water’s not the nicest stuff to deal with. Then you can pop the valve apart, swap out the washer, and you’re good to go. Washers are dirt cheap, so it’s a simple fix.

To keep things tidy, have an old towel or two handy, just in case. Radiator water’s proper mucky, so maybe chuck on a pair of gloves if you’re not keen on black hands.

If the washer doesn’t sort it, the valve itself might need replacing. That’s a bit more of a faff, and unless you fancy turning off the whole heating system and fiddling with pipework, might be worth calling in a plumber. Let me know how you get on, yeah?